Thursday, July 30, 2009

Pulling the trigger

I know that a lot of Phillies fans are disappointed that the team didn't get Roy Halladay and had to settle for reigning A-L Cy winner Cliff Lee from the Indians in exchange for 4 minor leaguers. I like the deal because of what the Phillies top prospects but the guys the didn't have to give up. Yes all 4 are among the PhilliesPhils wanted to protect pitchers J.A. Happ and Kyle Drabek and outfielders Michael Taylor and Dominick Brown will remain in the system. Lee also is signed through next season at a fairly cheap price for a front of the rotation starter. The deal doesn't ransom the Phillies future and puts them in prime condition to go back to the World Series.

Lee has been his sharpest of the season in his last 3 outings. All have been wins and he has given up just 4 runs in those starts. 2 of which are complete games. Lee is also murder on lefty hitters. They hit just .216 against him with only 1 home run.

Overall a very good move for the Phillies. Would Halladay been better...yeah but I still like the Lee move especially since they didn't have to give up guys they felt were going to have an impact in a few years in the bigs.